Lamborghini loses its head

AS FAR as debuts go, you can’t get much better than the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, which arrives here just weeks after its world premiere at Frankfurt.

Based on the Gallardo coupe, the Spyder has a fully automatic folding fabric roof that disappears under a carbon fibre cover, which also forms the bonnet for its mid-mounted engine.

The dramatically styled Spyder has a strong aeronautical influence. Under the crisp bodywork, the Gallardo Spyder’s V10 has been upgraded, raising output to 382kW (up from the coupe’s 368kW).

In addition, the six-speed paddle-shift sequential gearbox has lower ratios for better performance, the steering is sharper and the suspension recalibrated for even better roadholding.

With the top down, the Gallardo Spyder can hit 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 314km/h.

Expect pricing in the low-to-mid $400,000s when it goes on sale Down Under early next year.